The circus appeared overnight. There was no advertising, no announcement. It was simply there, at the end of a dark road. It was lively, despite it being past midnight. The lively colors and distant music were hauntingly mesmerizing, drawing you to investigate...

The massive circus tent flapped gently in the night breeze. The warm glow of lanterns and sweet scent of popcorn grazed your senses.

Then, you felt a cold and sturdy hand on your shoulder. A tall and lanky ringmaster stood there, grinning.

"Welcome... Why not come inside and have a look around? The main event is about to begin, after all... You wouldn't want to miss it." His voice was raspy and brittle, hollow-sounding and strained.